In a significant move to enhance student well-being and social awareness, the Kerala General Education Department has announced the expansion of orientation sessions to encompass all school levels, from lower primary to high school. This initiative, set to commence on June 3 and continue until June 13, aims to instill essential life skills and values in students across the state.

General Education Minister V Sivankutty detailed the program’s objectives, emphasizing the importance of addressing various socially relevant topics. The daily one-hour sessions will cover themes such as road safety, personal hygiene, health and fitness, responsible use of digital devices, protection of public property, and the cultivation of mutual cooperation among students.

To ensure the effectiveness of the program, school resource groups have been tasked with developing age-appropriate modules that seamlessly integrate into the natural learning process. These modules are designed to resonate with students’ experiences, making the sessions both engaging and educational.

The implementation of the orientation sessions will be coordinated by District Educational Officers and Assistant Educational Officers. Academic support will be provided by Block Resource Centres and District Institutes of Education and Training, while the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) will oversee the preparation of instructional materials. A structured timetable has been released, specifying the daily themes to be addressed for each student section. This organized approach ensures comprehensive coverage of topics and facilitates smooth execution across all schools.

Previously, the department had announced a six-hour orientation program for Plus-II students, spread over two weeks at the beginning of the academic year. The current expansion reflects the department’s commitment to providing holistic education that extends beyond traditional academic subjects. By incorporating these orientation sessions into the school calendar, Kerala aims to equip students with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of modern society. The initiative underscores the state’s dedication to fostering an educational environment that prioritizes both intellectual growth and social responsibility.

As schools prepare to reopen, this comprehensive orientation program stands as a testament to Kerala’s proactive approach in nurturing well-informed, responsible, and socially conscious citizens.